We're a cruise-loving clan, but we have to admit that we hate sharing a cabin. Bunk beds for four, one tiny bathroom and little closet space test our endurance. No more. When we opened our cabin door, we saw a sitting area, two bathrooms and a veranda. Disney has outdone the industry standard by including verandas in nearly 45 percent of the cabins and providing ocean views in 75 percent of the staterooms. Rooms are about 25 percent larger than those on other ships. The ship can accommodate up to 2,400 guests in 875 staterooms. Some cabins even sleep six.
At dinner hour, there were plenty of options. Both parents and children are welcome at Animator's Palate with eclectic dishes, Lumière's with French cuisine and Parrot Cay with food from the islands. Palo is an adults-only, northern Italian restaurant overlooking the ocean; reservations are required.
Despite the noise--Disney show tunes--we liked Animator's Palate, where the walls and paintings change from black and white to color. It was fun to pick out the movie tunes and watch the matching "painting" fill in with color. What wasn't so good was the food. It was merely forgettable. We also never received the special vegan meals we ordered. However, room service came to our rescue one afternoon when we found ourselves famished, by bringing us specially ordered pasta.
For more casual dining there are indoor and outdoor cafés and buffets for breakfast, lunch and snacks. There is 24-hour room service, a pool bar, coffee bar, Pinocchio's Pizzeria and Scoops ice creamery.
What you pay depends on your accommodations on shore and on board. For a three- or four-day Walt Disney World vacation followed by either three or four days at sea, prices start at $1,870.63 per person, double occupancy. This includes airfare from 150 gateways to Orlando, unlimited admission to the Disney theme parks, lodging at Disney World and lodging, meals and entertainment on board the ship. For third, fourth and fifth guests sharing a cabin and a hotel room, accommodations cost $399 for children ages three to 17 and $599 for ages 18 and older. The cruise-only price was $1450.63 for a three-day cruise and $1,635.63 for a four-day cruise. Please keep in mind that rates vary depending on the time of year you travel. Generally the fall is the value season.
For more information and reservations, call 800-951-3532.
Candyce H. Stapen is the author of CRUISE VACATIONS WITH KIDS.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in September 1998. Updated June 2005.
